The Labor enquirer., 1887-11-12
Go1S1l

and Socialist 50 ofted O.
is well for us to inquire 4
fcation. and acquaint oQI1elSc
with the motive which ptoinpf
one in adding to their vocabulaF1
these words. Webster de6nes So
cialism as "a theory Of society
which advocates a more precise
orderly and harmonious arrange
ment of the social reiatiops o
mankind than what has hithert{
prevailed" y
This is the definition Of the work
which has filed with terror So
many hearts, thinking it the worsi
compound of all evils and dangers.
Then it is in its fullest and broad
est sense an evangel of peace and
happiness-a theory to demon
strate to the world the equality Of
mankind-a brotherhood and sis
terhood of Gods children.
The odium which has been cast
upon those calling themselves-So
cialists is ofsuch a character as to
prejedice many an inquiring mind
from investigating and informing
themselves on this. subject. know
ing not whether it is an evil or
blessing. All historical changes
have been the result of class strug-
giles. 1t is the exigencies of the
times which have called this ele-
ment into existence. Every stage
of development which nation
passes through evolves certain
issues which must be met. If for
the benefit of the masses, sustained;
if not, controverted. It is not GER
tain persons clamoring for rights
and justice; but the present state
of affairs is produced by unlawful
and arbitrary measures being
adopted in all industrial, social
and political departments; the OBJ
literating of the middle class,
thereby migrating system Of in
equality which will produce master
and slave.
The multiplicity of these combi-
nations which surround US calls
forth this spirit of controversy and
the desire to overcome these
envir onments. Socialism does not
advocate the destruction OF society.
1t is a constlctive, an organizing,
not a destroying science; seeking
to, build the social structure upon
a solid basis-one which will not
shake and tremble and disrupt at
every presidential election or a
new deal in stocks.
While Capitalism is tn at school
OF economics which teaches how
O ne can live upon the labors oi
another. Socialism teaches how all
may possess property, an 1 teaches
also every man must work honestly
for his living. Socialism seeks to
establish a universal system of CO.
Operation, and to make accessible
to each and every one of the hu-
man family the achievements and
benefits of civilization, which, un.
der the existing state of affairs
are being monopolized by the
privileged class, not distributed as
they should be for 1.-THE common
good of all. The most noble mer
of ancient and modern times were
and are Socialists. Those glorious
prophetic souls who penned the
Declaration of independence, writ
ing in words of living fire the fol-
lowing m emorable words. were
Socialists:
1--WE hold these truths to be
self-evident, that all men are Gre
ated equal; that they are endowed
by their Creator with certain in
alienable rights. Among these
are: the pursuit of life, liberty ane
happiness. That to secure these
rights governments are instituted
among men, deriving their jus
powers from the consent of tn.
governed. That whenever any
form of government becomes des
tructive of these ends. it is tn,
right of the people to alter O
abolish it, and institute new gov
ernment, laying its foundation OF
such principles, and organizing it
powers in such form, as to then
THE people] shall seem mos
likely to effect their safety anc
happiness" This is what thos'
calling themselves Socialists ar
striving to do. The laws as they